Cyber Terrorism: Tensions Between Cuba And The United States

(U) This essay discusses the details of any possible cyber terrorism generated by Cuba in regards to the United States. It will further define cyber terrorism while discussing the cyber defenses Cuba has recently put into place. It is important to fully understand what all cyber terrorism involves and the capable defences that have been built to defend against it. This essay will go on to further discuss tensions between Cuba and the United States due to a potential attack that remains unresolved. It is important to known what Cuban technology is capable of to better prepare for any potential attacks. The final topic discussed is in regards to how a cyber attack would affect the United States. It is important to grasp

(U) Terrorism can be roughly be traced back to the first century. The advances in technology have merely produced a new form of terrorism. The term cyber terrorism was first introduced in the 1980s by Barry Collin. People tend to use the terms cyberwar, cyberterrorism, cybercrime, and hacktivism interchangeably, although there are important, sometimes subtle, differences ( ). There are many forms in which cyber terrorism can take. The hacking and removal of websites can cause disorder and confusion as it disrupts normal life. Attacks such as these can also affect things such as medical, utility, transportation, and financial systems. The manipulation of computer codes and even the corruption of information systems can cause a great deal of damage of both virtual and physical assets. At a minimum these actions can induce misinformation but cyber terrorism has the potential to effect critical infrastructures, possibly leading to destruction and even death. Due to the seriousness of potential cyber terrorism occurring Cuba has recently put more precautions into place. Due to a lack of proper security controls, outdated antivirus protection, and

United States diplomats were removed from Cuba and Cuban diplomats were expelled and travel warnings were put into place. Although nearly a year has past since the first incident was reported the origin of the attack has yet to be uncovered. A total of 24 Americans have reported health problems do to the alleged attack. Complaints from Washington have been noted as they claim that Cuba should be doing more to protect diplomatic personnel. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said he will not return U.S. diplomats to Cuba for now, and he is not convinced the alleged attacks are over. Although some have dubbed the attack nothing more than science fiction the United States have yet to return diplomats to the country (Medelman). Due to the growing tensions between the countries its possible that another attack might